Expert-led tick and parasite management roadshow to visit Rockhampton on first leg of multi-state tour

Animal health company Virbac is partnering with local veterinarian and beef producer Dr Neil Farmer to kick off a week-long Parasite Management Roadshow taking place next week across QLD and Northern NSW.

Designed to highlight sustainable tick and worm management and strategic drenching practices for optimal cattle production, Dr Farmer will be joined by veterinarian and Virbac Australia Technical Services Manager Dr Matt Ball to share their expertise with local cattle producers and their advisors.

With a recent MLA research project estimating that cattle ticks cost Australian farmers around $175 million per year in production losses and treatment costs[1], ticks are considered to be the most economically damaging of parasites. Left unchecked, they can significantly reduce cattle live-weight gain and conception rates – making effective parasite management a key component of every successful cattle producer’s animal health program.

The Department of Primary Industry states, it is the most serious external parasite of cattle in Australia. Besides production loss from the cattle tick’s feeding on blood, the parasite transmits tick fever and if uncontrolled, can cause serious loss to the beef industry.

Tick fever, often referred to as ‘Redwater’, is a potentially fatal disease affecting cattle. The disease is spread by cattle tick, and causes haemolytic anaemia, fever, and weakness, followed by nervous signs, before coma and death[2].

Beginning in Rockhampton on Tuesday 6th August, the roadshow will be a great opportunity for cattle producers, advisors and veterinarians to improve their knowledge and understanding of strategic tick and worm management along with product usage practices.

“Our Rockhampton presentation will cover the latest local findings, examine the tick lifecycle and highlight best practice use of drenching products for tick and worming control,” says Neil. “We’re really looking forward to sharing our knowledge and helping both producers and vets to take the necessary steps to safeguard their livestock.”

“We’re excited to be hosting Dr Farmer and Dr Ball,” says Virbac Australia’s Cattle Product Manager Alisha Mitchell. “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the latest in parasite management from the experts, who’ll be presenting some really helpful information to Australia’s industry professionals and cattle producers. Our aim is for producers to take away from these events practical knowledge, that can be implemented on their property to really help strategically manage both cattle tick, and worms.”

Interested producers are invited to attend the Rockhampton event on Tuesday 6th August. Please see below for further details.

About the speakers:Dr Neil FarmerNeil currently has his own practice operating from his family’s cattle property, along with several years of experience with working in practices around Queensland. Being well versed in reproductive management and performance, as well as managing a productive and profitable beef cattle enterprise, Neil actively works with clients to introduce management programs designed to improve enterprise performance.

Dr Matt BallDr Ball has 19 years experience helping cattle farmers in a range of clinical, advisory and research roles. His employment includes jobs in clinical practice, government and industry, and he’s also undertaken postgraduate qualifications in disease surveillance and education. Based on the northern rivers of NSW, Matthew is passionate about helping cattle farmers develop practical and profitable preventative health programs, helping them to understand how medicines work and the scientific differences between animal health products.